Petrele Castle Half-Day Tour

 

Petrelë castle is located 15 km south of Tirana. It is famous its history, as it is located next to the Illyrian ancient city of Persqop back to more than 3000 years, and its beautiful views. In ancient times Petrelë was known also in documents as Petralba, which translated from Greek means 'the stone' of 'alba', therefore "The stone of Albanians". One can definitely see why it is called such since the town and its castle are built on a huge stone on top of a small mountain. Petrelë's Castle is one of the oldest structures in the area.


The tower in the center was built in the 5th century AD, although most of the remainder is Byzantine dating from between the 11th and 14th centuries. The castle was used mostly to watch for Ottoman troops marching towards inner Albania. In Ottoman times, the castle was the house of Scanderbeg's sister (Mamica Kastrioti). The town and castle were also very dear to Scanderbeg and he used to take time off to come and rest in the area. We visit the castle then we have lunch in its restaurant inside the castle where you can enjoy the surrounding views.